A quick-footed power forward and elite-level goal scorer, Andrei Svechnikov's package of size, skill, and aggressive physical play makes him the top forward available at the 2018 NHL Draft.
One year removed from being the Rookie of the Year in the United States Hockey League, Svechnikov moved north and blew through the Ontario Hockey League like a tropical storm this past season, finding the back of the net 40 times in 44 games to capture his second consecutive Rookie of the Year honor.
He'd add the cherry on top with 11 points (5+6) in an eight-game playoff year that was limited by a four-game suspension for delivering a high hit in the Colts' final regular season game.
Among the accolades earned by Svechnikov this season were the Best Skater and second-place finish in the Best Shot categories in the OHL Eastern Conference Coaches Poll, and the CHL's Sherwin-Williams Top Prospect Award.
Svechnikov is no doubt a top-flight talent with quick hands and a vast array of NHL-caliber shooting skills, but his game isn't just about sheer power as he blends in plenty of finesse when threading passes and finishing plays around the net. Dialed in to the possession mindset, he's proven to be a patient puck-handler as he knows when to hold on to the puck a little longer and when to dish it off.
He has the same type of nimble power in his skating game as well, slowing it down and quickly dropping it into gear to change direction with a sharp cut and blow past defenders on his way to making things happen at the front of the net. The changes of speed cause deception as defenders can't back off and give him more space, yet don't want to be too aggressive and get burned.
There were many nights where it seemed that the Ontario Hockey League was "child's play" for Svechnikov, so it'll be interesting to see how he adapts when playing versus the world's best for the first time, a situation that is likely to happen in 2018-19 as he's expected to make the immediate jump into the NHL waters.
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For more on all the youngsters in the Sabres pipeline, check out Kris Baker's website, SabresProspects.com. You can also follow him on Twitter (@SabresProspects).
